Three Practical Steps to Self-Confidence

We have been talking about confidence and I cannot let the series go by without talking about self-confidence. 

There is room in this life to trust in our own abilities at times. This is what self-confidence is: trusting in our self. 

There is however a caveat: self-confidence should always reflect the Jesus in you. 

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. 

1. Remember where your strength lies. 

When we rely on our own ability we sometimes forget to rely on Jesus. This is a dangerous place to be. It puffs us up, we can become proud and God will not allow pride to last long. He longs for a humble and contrite heart. 

God is high and lifted up. He lives forever. His name is holy. He says, “I live in a high and holy place, but I also live with people who are humble and sorry for their sins. I will give new life to those who are humble in spirit. I will give new life to those who are sorry for their sins. Isaiah 57:15

2. Understand God has gifted you with talents and abilities. 

Sometimes, in order to try to be as holy as we can, we throw practicality out the window. This is like throwing the baby out with the bath water: it defeats the purpose. We live in a world where practical and spiritual have to coincide. We must be in this world, not a part of it. 

You have abilities and talents. That may be singing, writing, public speaking, or teaching. It could be crafting, sewing, or cooking. Your talents could be accounting, administrative, or organizational. Whatever your talents, each of us can use those talents and have confidence when we do. 

Why? 

We can have confidence because we know God made us that way. 

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. Ephesians 4:11-12

We each have something to contribute to the body and to the world. We are fishers of men. Our talents, when used with confidence and guided by the Holy Spirit should act like lures: shiny, impressive, and hunger inducing. 

3. Do everything with excellence. 

Whatever you do, whether in speech or action, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus and give thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians3:17 

God left nothing undone. He does nothing half-heartedly. For you He sent His only child to die and take on your sins, and the sins of the rest of the world so that we could live. He gave His best. We need to give ours. 

Cain did not give his best, and God was displeased. God was not displeased with grain as an offering, but that Cain did not pick his best grains to offer to God, he brought God the leftovers. 

Do not do the same with your offerings of talent and devotion. Do everything with excellence. Where you lack, God will supply the rest. 

This is where self-confidence and confidence in God meet. This is where God bestows favor. 

Be faithful in the little things (the things you know how to do) and God will give you bigger better things that challenge you and help you grow. 

How did God make you? What is your special talent? 

If you like this post you may also like: Three Things to know About Confidence , Change Your Perspective, Finding Your Voice, Finding Yourself In Christ Confidence is Tricky, Confidence Changes Everything, and Confidence in Transition